But when Senatla was yellow-carded for a deliberate knockdown, the Aussies took full advantage as Timothy Anstee scored.

In a remarkable bit of play, Rosko Specman chased down Ben O'Donnell about 10 metres before the line, and after a knock-on by James Stannard, the Blitzboks went all the way as captain Kyle Brown popped the ball up for Afrika.

It was the Blitzboks' game to lose from 17-5 ahead, and they added another touchdown from Kwagga Smith in a typically belligerent solo effort as he shrugged off a number of defenders to gain sweet revenge for the Sydney final defeat, and secure their spot in the final against Fiji, who beat New Zealand 14-12.